PCA welcomes thoughtful review of industry regulations

WASHINGTON, DC—Yesterday President Barak Obama issued “Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,” a presidential executive order aimed at addressing regulatory policy by federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In the order, the President commits to a thoughtful review of regulations to identify those that are not necessary or unworkable and specifically explains that “our regulatory system must protect public health, welfare, safety and our environment while promoting economic growth, innovation, competitiveness and job creation.”

The Portland Cement Association (PCA) lauds the President’s intent to impose reasonable regulation that will not limit economic growth and not only create jobs, but also preserve those that are currently at risk. 

Current EPA regulations could result in the direct loss of 3,000 to 4,000 jobs in the cement industry and potentially another 12,000 to 19,000 direct jobs in the construction industry due to higher construction costs. These direct job losses could be amplified if up and downstream indirect impacts are considered. In total, more than 80,000 jobs could be lost due to EPA regulations.

“The cement industry, like several other manufacturing sectors, is facing regulations  that will cost several billion dollars and push manufacturing  off shore, causing the U.S. to lose a commodity that is indispensable to our country’s recovery,” Brian McCarthy, PCA president and CEO. “We welcome the opportunity to work with the Obama administration to ensure that regulations are based on science, preserve access to a strategic infrastructure asset and most importantly, protect the sanctity of U.S. jobs. Without taking these elements into consideration, the administration is doing our nation a disservice.”

About PCA
Based in Skokie, Ill., the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States and Canada. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs. More information on PCA programs is available at www.cement.org.